Chestermere elects new mayor, council members following provincial ouster

Shannon Dean has been elected as the new mayor of Chestermere.

A byelection was held Monday to choose a new council after the former mayor and three councillors along with three chief administrative officers were fired by the province last year.

Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver dismissed mayor Jeff Colvin as well as councillors Mel Foat, Stephen Hanley and Blaine Funk along with chief administrative officers Kim Wallace, Travis Fillier and Cameron Wong on Dec. 4, 2023.

McIver said the city was being governed in an improper, irregular and improvident manner. He also ordered a financial inspection of the city's books.

The former mayor ran in the byelection to regain his seatbut came third.

The three former councillors also ran in Monday's electionbut none werere-elected.

All four are currently being sued by the city of Chestermere for more than $650,000 for alleged improper spending on parties, alcohol, a private investigator and more. The city's claims have not yet been tested in court.

Jeff Moroz, a lawyer for the four men, declined last week to comment on the specifics of the suit, citing its status before the court. He said all allegations in the statement of claim are denied.

Since the dismissals, Chestermere had been run by an administrator, Douglas Lagore, who was given the powers and duties of council until quorum was restored.

The successful candidates for the five councillor positions were Rob Wawrznowski, Robert Schindler, Janelle Sandboe, Kiran Randhawa and Murray Grant.

Chestermere is home to about 20,000 residents and is located just east of Calgary.